Philippines Visa for Indians

About Philippines Visa

Indians visit the Philippines for various reasons like travel, business, filmmaking, performing arts, journalism, etc. Before we explain how to apply for a Philippines visa, here are some basic facts about the country.

Features of Philippines Visa

What makes the Philippines visa application process unique? Here are some exciting features of a Philippines visa.

Visa-free Entry for Eligible Indians: Indians who have a visa to or residence permit from specified countries can visit the Philippines for 14 days without a visa. The selected countries are Singapore, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen countries, the UK and the USA. It would help to have a passport with a 6-month extended validity and a return or onward ticket from the Philippines. This stay can be extended to 21 days.

Documents Required to Apply for a Philippines Visa

When you apply for a Philippines visa from India, you need to submit a set of documents as well. The documents are used for verifying your identity and your travel purpose. Here's a table describing the general documentation requirements for various visa types.

General Requirements

1. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.
2. Completed visa application form.
3. Proof of status as a tourist or businessman.
4. Confirmed return or onward tickets.
5. Two photos complying with the Philippines visa photo requirements:
   • Coloured photos
   • Dimensions: 2" x 2"
   • Taken in the previous six months.

For Business Owners:

• Entry and exit flight tickets.
• Invitation letter from a Philippine entity or endorsement from a recognised Chamber of Commerce.
• Proof of business operations/income.
• Business permit/license or registration.
• Bank statements for the last 6 months or tax payments.
• Hotel booking or proof of accommodation.

(a-1) - Business Visitors 

For Employees

• Managerial level employment certificate.
• Entry and exit flight tickets.
• Endorsement letter from the company.
• Employment certificate with salary details or guarantee letter from the company/sponsor.
• Hotel booking or proof of accommodation.

9 (a-2) - Tourism/Leisure Visitors 

• Entry and exit flight tickets.
• Proof of financial capability (e.g., bank statements for the last 6 months, tax payments, employment certificate with salary details, business income proof, sponsor's financial capacity letter).
• Proof of ties to home country (e.g., employment certificate, property documents).
• Itinerary.
• Hotel booking or proof of accommodation.
• Letter of permission from a parent/guardian for minors travelling without them

9 (a-3) - Medical Treatment Visitors 

1. Entry and exit flight tickets.
2. Acceptance letter or medical treatment confirmation from a Philippine medical institution.
3. Proof of medical condition (e.g., medical abstract from the sending institution).
4. Proof of financial capability:
   • Bank statements for the last 6 months.
   • Pay slips for the last 6 months.
   • Employment certificate with salary details.
   • Pension statements for the last 6 months.
   • Advance payment or deposit confirmation for treatment.
5. Sponsor's financial capacity letter, and health insurance policy.
   • Hotel booking or proof of accommodation.
   • Letter of permission from a parent/guardian for minors travelling without them.
   • Letter from the sending institution assigning an escort (if applicable).

Private Yachtsmen/Sailors 9(a-4)

• Letter from the owner/captain detailing port or area of entry, entry date, and period of stay, crew and passenger list, and vessel particulars (type, name, registration, call sign).
• Boat insurance policy.
• Cargo manifest.
• Character reference/shipping agent in the Philippines (if any).
• Letter of permission from a parent/guardian for minors travelling without them

Filmmaking Visitors 9(a-5)

• Request letter addressed to the International Press Center.
• Background of film company.
• Curriculum Vitae of the filmmaker with a shortlist of work credits.
• Synopsis or storyline of the film.
• Itinerary of activities.
• List of crew members with designations (if any).
• Employment certificate or contract from the film company.
• List of equipment with a certificate stating equipment will be re-exported at the end of the trip.
• Hotel booking or proof of accommodation.

Journalism Visitors 9(a-6) 

• Request letter addressed to the International Press Center.
• Background of the media organisation or contracting media organisation (for freelancers).
• Curriculum Vitae of the journalist with a shortlist of work credits.
• Synopsis or purpose of the news.
• Itinerary of activities.
• List of crew members with designations (if any).
• Employment certificate or contract from the media company.
• List of equipment with a certificate stating equipment will be re-exported at the end of the trip.
• Hotel booking or proof of accommodation.

Athletic and Performing Arts Visitors 9(a-7)

• Request letter from the applicant's team, group, or organisation.
• Invitation letter from the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Games and Amusement Board, or a recognised national sporting association (for athletes).
• Endorsement letter from the Local Government Unit where the event will be held (for performers).
• Contract or agreements with the organiser, including promotional materials.
• Itinerary of activities.
• Proof of financial capability or sponsor's financial capacity letter.
• List of crew members with designations (if applicable).
• Employment certificate of crew members (if applicable).
• List of equipment with a certificate stating equipment will be re-exported at the end of the trip (if applicable).
• Hotel booking or proof of accommodation.
• Letter of permission from a parent/guardian for minors travelling without them

Visitors with Other Purposes 9(a-8) 

• Proof of financial capability.
• Documents related to the purpose of the visit.
• Hotel booking or proof of accommodation.
• Letter of permission from a parent/guardian for minors travelling without them.

Foreign Media Visa and Accreditation 9(A)-6

• Employment certificate or contract from the media company.
• List of equipment with a certificate stating equipment will be re-exported at the end of the trip.
• Hotel booking or proof of accommodation.

9(C) - Seaman

• Seaman’s Book.
• Notarised application form.
• Proof of ticket reservation.
• Letter from the shipping company.
• Crew list form.
• Self-addressed prepaid return envelope.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

9(E) Foreign Government Official

• Letter from the relevant government agency/international organisation detailing the assignment, designation, and duration.
• Self-addressed prepaid return envelope.
• Itinerary Declaration Form (for short-term official visits)

9(F) Student

• Certified true copy of Personal History Statement.
• Certified true copy of Notice of Acceptance (NOA) and CEA (if applicable).
• Medical certificate, notarised, with laboratory reports.
• Chest x-ray plates and results.
• Police clearance certificate.
• USD 250 fee payable by money order or cashier’s check.
• Six photos complying with Philippines visa photo requirements. 
• Documents endorsed by the HEI to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Special Non-Immigrant Visa Requirements

• Letter from sending and receiving institutes.
• Certificate of No Police Record.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
• Self-addressed prepaid return envelope.

Philippines Visa Types

Philippines visa types are designed to cater to different travel purposes. You will find specific visa types for tourists, patients, investors, filmmakers, etc. Here is a summary of Philippines visa types along with their description and validity.

Who Can Apply for a Philippines Visa?

According to the Philippines visa requirements, here is a list of the individuals who are eligible for a Philippines visa.

• Indian citizens planning to travel to the Philippines for business, tourism, medical treatment, filmmaking, education, work, journalism, sports, and other purposes.
• Indian citizens who have an Indian passport, which is valid for 6 months after the planned date of leaving the Philippines.
• Indian citizens who can submit relevant documents proving their travel purpose and financial ability to stay in the Philippines.

How to Apply for a Philippines Visa?

You can get visa-free entry to the Philippines for a limited period if you have a visa or residence permit from one of the specified countries. If you don't meet this requirement, you must apply for a visa electronically. Check out this step-wise guide on how to apply for a Philippines visa. 

1. Select the Appropriate Visa Type
   • Gather necessary documents and photos according to the Philippines visa photo requirements.
2. Register on the E-visa Website
3. Create an account to begin your electronic visa application.
4. Complete the Application and Upload the Required Documents
   • Provide the needed information and upload the necessary documents to process your electronic visa.
5. Make Payment
   • Pay for your application using the available payment options.
6. Submit Documents and Wait for Processing (if requested)
   • If the visa officer requests, submit your original documents via courier or in person at the Embassy or Consulate..
   • You might also be scheduled for a physical interview at the Embassy or Consulate for further evaluation of your E-visa application.
7. Receive the E-Visa
   • Once approved, your E-visa will be sent to your email and E-visa account.
   • After downloading your E-visa, register using your E-visa account in the Philippine One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System (e-travel) within 72 hours before arriving in the Philippines.

Philippines Visa Fee

You are required to pay Philippines visa fee along with your application. The fees differ for every visa type depending on the duration and purpose of stay. Here is a summary of Philippines visa fees as per different visa types.

Disclaimer: Fee in INR to be as per the current USD conversion rate.

*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations

How to Check Philippines Visa Status?

You can track your visa application through the e-visa website or the Philippines Immigration website during the Visa processing time.

1. E-visa portal
   • Log in to your account on the e-visa portal created while submitting the application.
   • Use the 'Track your application' feature to check your Philippines visa status. 
2. Philippines Immigration Website
   • Visit the Philippines Immigration website.
   • Navigate to the Resources section and select 'visa application status'.
   • The government provides PDF files listing the Philippines visa status of recently submitted applications.